Fun, friendship and faith abounded in Sydney last week as six to eighty-six year olds gathered for World Youth Day. 

World Youth Day is an event for the Catholic community and is celebrated every three years.

By student reporter Jessica Purcell.

This year, it was held in Sydney from 15 to 20 July with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the globe descending on Randwick Racecourse for the final mass.

One ex-Mackay resident, Daniel Del Dot, 21, was amongst the pilgrims who made the journey to catch a glimpse of Pope Benedict and get a taste of the action.

"I didn't know much [about it] at first to be honest, but my Nonna inspired me and then the Church approached me," he said.  

As a first time attendee Mr Del Dot said the appeal lay in seeing the Pope as well as the opportunity to meet others. 

"It was one of the most incredible weeks of my life."

"It was a chance for me to become stronger in faith, share with people of my faith.  It was an electric week!" exclaimed Mr Del Dot. 

This year's theme was the Acts of the Holy Spirit and during the day there were numerous organised catechesis activities to explore this. Masses, extended homilies, talks, bishop visits and expeditions were all on the agenda.

"On day 1 there was the Opening Mass by Archbishop Cardinal Pell, on the Thursday the Pope arrived by boat and then motorcade, on Friday there was Stations of the Cross and the final Mass on Sunday," recounted Daniel. 

"I went to a talk in Darling Harbour about the Crusades; and we visited the burial place of Mary McKillop," said Daniel. 

Originally quite sceptical himself, Mr Del Dot understands that World Youth Day is not for everyone and that many youth would be put off by the religious premise.

"It depends person to person. Some people will dismiss it straightaway; I wasn't convinced at first," he noted. 

One thing that surprised Daniel was the intensity of the crowd. 

"[I was surprised] not only the volume of people, but also the atmosphere. It was overwhelming!" he exclaimed.

"I think there were people as young as six, to a 90 year old," he commented further.

Jon Purcell, 49, attends Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the same church as Mr Del Dot, and is also aware of the meaning of World Youth Day.

"It's a gathering for Catholic Youth to celebrate," he said.

Like Mr Del Dot, Mr Purcell believes that some people would dismiss World Youth Day.  However, he is undeterred.

"Yes, I would go.  I think it would be an interesting celebration, and a chance to see the Pope," he reasoned.  

In the end Daniel said his World Youth Day was more than he had hoped for.  He went just hoping for a slight guidance of faith but came back with much more. 

"I got more than I bargained for.  I was hoping for a way of faith, but the amount of faith and the sprightliness and enthusiasm of everyone... was just amazing, he said.

"The Pope was quite impressive.  You imagine him, the Head of Church as someone high and mighty, but he really related to the people," stated Daniel.

It appears that Daniel had such an incredible experience that he is willing to return, for World Youth Day 2011. 

"I'd definitely like to go again."

"I'll have to save up, but maybe I'll be there in Madrid in 2011," he informed.